Key Takeaways
- The #1 reported scam is the The Graslei Terrace Overcharge
- Most scams in Ghent are low-to-medium risk
- Use app-based ride services (Uber, Bolt) or official metered taxis instead of unmarked vehicles
- Never accept unsolicited offers from strangers near tourist sites in Ghent
⚡ Quick Safety Tips
- Keep phones and valuables in secure pockets when in crowded areas
- Use only licensed taxis or app-based ride services
- Book tours and tickets through verified operators with online reviews
- Keep a copy of your passport separate from the original
Jump to a Scam
The 3 Scams
You settle into a terrace seat along the Graslei with a gorgeous view of Ghent's medieval waterfront.
The waiter is friendly but the menu seems to lack prices on certain items, particularly the daily specials and the local beer recommendations. You order the waiter's suggestion and a round of Belgian beers. When the bill arrives, the 'special' fish dish was 35 euros and the recommended beers were premium lambics at 12 euros each rather than the standard 5-euro pils. As r/belgium users note, Graslei and Korenlei restaurants cater almost exclusively to tourists, and some deliberately obscure prices on their most expensive items. Locals drink and eat one block inland where the same quality costs 40 percent less.
Red Flags
- The menu does not show prices for daily specials or recommended items
- The waiter suggests dishes or drinks without mentioning the price
- The terrace has the best waterfront view but no locals appear to be dining there
- Bill includes unexpected service charges or terrace supplements
- Prices for beer or dishes are significantly higher than comparable restaurants one street back
How to Avoid
- Always ask for the price of any special or recommendation before ordering
- Check Google Maps reviews for specific price complaints before choosing a Graslei restaurant
- Walk one block to Patershol or the Groentenmarkt area for the same Ghent cuisine at local prices
- Order from the printed menu rather than verbal suggestions to ensure price transparency
- Ask to see the bill itemized and question any charges you did not expect
You find a beautiful apartment on a listing site -- gorgeous canal views in central Ghent for an unbelievably low price.
The 'owner' sends professional photos and asks you to pay a deposit via bank transfer to secure the booking. You send the money, receive a confirmation email, and arrive in Ghent with your suitcase. But when you reach the address, the apartment either does not exist, is occupied by someone else, or the owner has never heard of any rental. As the City of Ghent's official website warns, fraudulent apartment advertisements specifically target international visitors and students. The scammer used stolen photos of a real property and vanishes after collecting the deposit.
Red Flags
- The rental price is significantly below market rate for central Ghent
- The owner insists on payment via bank transfer rather than through a secure booking platform
- Communication is only by email with excuses for why they cannot video call or meet in person
- The listing uses professional photos that appear on other websites for different properties
- The owner pressures you to pay quickly because other tenants are interested
How to Avoid
- Book only through established platforms like Booking.com or Airbnb that hold payment in escrow
- Never wire money directly to a landlord you have not met in person
- Reverse image search the property photos to check if they appear on other listings
- Verify the address exists on Google Street View and matches the photos
- Contact Visit Ghent's official tourism office if a deal seems too good to be true
You're queuing to see the famous Ghent Altarpiece inside Sint-Baafskathedraal when someone in the ...
You're queuing to see the famous Ghent Altarpiece inside Sint-Baafskathedraal when someone in the crowd accidentally bumps into you or drops something at your feet. As you bend down or turn to help, you feel a brief tug at your jacket or bag. The moment passes and you think nothing of it. It's only when you reach for your wallet to buy a museum ticket later that you realize it's gone. As r/travel posters caution, popular art attractions with slow-moving queues and focused visitors are ideal environments for pickpockets. The Ghent Altarpiece draws long lines where tourists are distracted by their phones and guidebooks.
Red Flags
- Someone bumps into you with more force than the crowd warrants
- A person drops items at your feet in a queue, causing you to look down
- You notice the same person appearing near you multiple times in a crowd
- Your bag zipper is found open after a crowded encounter
- Someone stands unusually close in a line that is not that packed
How to Avoid
- Use a crossbody bag with a locking zipper and keep it in front of your body
- Carry your wallet in a front pocket or use a hidden money belt for valuables
- Stay aware of your surroundings even when admiring art -- don't zone out completely
- Keep only a small amount of cash on you and leave backup cards at the hotel
- Buy your Altarpiece viewing tickets online in advance to minimize time in queues
🆘 What to Do If You Get Scammed
📋 File a Police Report
Go to the nearest Belgian Federal Police (Politie/Police) station. Call 101 (Police) or 112 (Emergency). Get an official crime report — you'll need this for insurance claims. You can also report online at police.be.
💳 Cancel Your Cards
Call your bank immediately. Most have 24/7 numbers on the back of the card (keep a photo saved separately). Block any suspicious transactions before the thieves use your details.
🛂 Lost Passport?
Contact your nearest embassy or consulate. The US Embassy in Brussels is at Boulevard du Régent 27, 1000 Brussels. For emergencies: +32 2-811-4000.
📱 Track Your Device
If your phone was stolen, use Find My (iPhone) or Find My Device (Android) from another device. Don't confront thieves yourself — share the location with police instead.
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